Amyloidosis Secondary: Acquired Disease Threatening Health
Secondary amyloidosis, also known as acquired amyloidosis, is a rare but serious disease that can result from a variety of chronic inflammatory or infectious conditions. In this article we will look at the main aspects of secondary amyloidosis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Amyloidosis is a group of rare diseases associated with the uncontrolled accumulation of amyloid protein in various organs and tissues of the body. Amyloid protein is formed from misfolded protein structures and can accumulate in various organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen and nervous system. The accumulation of amyloid leads to dysfunction of organs and tissues, which can have serious health consequences.
Secondary amyloidosis differs from other forms of amyloidosis in that it develops as a complication of other underlying diseases. Chronic inflammatory processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, chronic tuberculosis, syphilis and chronic purulent osteomyelitis, are the main causes of the development of secondary amyloidosis. Also, some cancers, including lymphoma and kidney cancer, can cause the development of secondary amyloidosis.
Symptoms of secondary amyloidosis can vary depending on the organ or system most affected by the process of amyloid accumulation. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite and general weakness. If amyloid protein accumulates in the heart, patients may experience heart failure or arrhythmia. Kidney damage can lead to proteinuria, edema and a gradual decline in kidney function.
Diagnosing secondary amyloidosis can be difficult because its symptoms may overlap with other diseases. However, certain methods, such as biopsies of affected tissue and amyloid protein testing, can help make a diagnosis. It is important to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient and identify the underlying disease that led to the development of secondary amyloidosis.
Treatment of secondary amyloidosis should be aimed at treating the underlying disease that caused the development of amyloidosis, as well as reducing the accumulation of amyloid in organs and tissues. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove amyloid deposits from the affected organs.
Additional treatments may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and chemotherapy, depending on the underlying disease. In addition, patients may be prescribed symptomatic measures aimed at relieving symptoms and maintaining organ function.
The prognosis of secondary amyloidosis depends on many factors, including the degree of organ damage, the timeliness of diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment of the underlying disease. In some cases, when the disease is detected in the early stages and treatment is carried out promptly, the prognosis can be favorable. However, in cases of prolonged accumulation of amyloid and the development of organic damage, the prognosis may be unfavorable.
Secondary amyloidosis is a serious disease that requires an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment. It is important to consult a doctor promptly if you have chronic inflammatory diseases or other risk factors that may contribute to the development of secondary amyloidosis. Regular medical examinations and monitoring of the underlying disease can also help in identifying and managing secondary amyloidosis, which helps improve the patient's prognosis and quality of life.